Our Facilitators

We are proud to introduce the seven dedicated facilitators who will be supporting our retreat experiences.

Each team member has been carefully chosen for their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality experiences. Their combined specialisms allow us to offer a well-rounded retreat programme designed to nourish body, mind, and spirit.

Our retreats are built on collaboration, integrity and genuine care — and this team embodies those values fully.

Esther Brock - Wildstone Founder

I’ve always dreamed of finding a special piece of land to create a space for wellness, outdoor retreats, eco-therapy, and nature-based sessions. In 2024, that dream became reality when we discovered 7 acres of moorland, a 500-year-old disused sandstone quarry, and a very old house (a complete project!) — the perfect canvas for Wildstone.

While my long-suffering husband Tony has been restoring the house, I’ve spent the past two years bringing Wildstone to life. Finally, in 2026, we are opening our doors to the public. Wildstone is a place to reconnect with nature, to tap into the beauty and tranquility of the land, and to find space to heal, restore, and be inspired. Surrounded by moorland and steeped in the history of the quarry, it’s a truly special place — and we hope it becomes a sanctuary for all who visit.

We are nature.

Lauren Baker - Florist

Growing up in the Saddleworth hills has given me a strong connection to nature. Flowers have always been a passion of mine and I began learning floristry skills in 2021 after having my two children.

Over the years I’ve attended floristry workshops and courses around the UK, and learnt skills on the job doing freelance floristry work for weddings and events as well as designing and making wreaths to order. I also have my own allotment plot where I grow cut flowers and vegetables from seed. 

I love to take inspiration from nature and the beautiful Peak District where we live, using seasonal, foraged and allotment grown elements in my designs. I’m exited to share my love of wreath making with you at Wildstone this Spring & Autumn!

Richard Hollington - Willow Artist, Two Trees Crafts

Richard is a lover of the outdoors and passionate  about ancient woodcraft. He is a self taught willow weaver and also enjoys woodcarving. He has over 25 years experience of supporting people with disabilities in various settings and has recently qualified as a Level 3 FS leader.

Rachael Vincent - Yoga practitioner Owner of the Attic Studio Glossop

After 18 years in Primary Education, I followed my love of movement and founded my own yoga studio. My teaching weaves together years of classroom experience with yoga, strength and breathwork- supporting adults (and children) to feel confident, capable and connected.

Sophie Spaul - Ceramic Artist

Sophie works with stoneware to create organic, natural pieces reflecting the heritage & surroundings of the beautiful peaks. Sophie believes that maker’s marks are found in the imprint of the artist & true beauty found in the imperfections of a process.
 
Work with Sophie in a guided mug ‘make’ & develop your skills in hand & slab building. Then spend the afternoon applying your new found skills into creating truly unique pieces of your own, taking inspiration & using resources from the mystical Wildstone setting.

Katie Dervin - Our sacred Sun

Katie is a certified Trauma-Informed Sound Therapist with the CoSH and has a keen interest in herbal medicine, astrology and folklore.
 
Rick has a history in sound engineering, is a djembe drummer, a vinyl enthusiast and produces electronic music. Rick lived in the Far East growing up and has lived experience with lots of different instruments, cultures and methods of creating sound.
 
We specialise in sacred ceremonies working with a mixture of the Himalayan singing bowls, quartz crystal singing bowls, chimes, percussion, drums, shamanic rattles and our gongs to take you on a journey back to yourselves through ritual, sound and guided meditations. 
We create every sound bath, sacred ceremony and guided meditation with the present moment in mind. Weaving the modern science of sound medicine with the intention and the astrology of the present moment to create something truly unique.

Bethany O’Toole Sessions - Sound Bath facilitator

Bethany specialises in therapeutic sound journeys and dance-based meditation classes. Her sound journeys invite you to lie back and simply listen; nothing to do but soften into sustained frequencies and immersive soundscapes that gently shift you from doing into being.

Her dance based sessions are a somatic, guided movement experience designed to help you reconnect with your body, release held tension and move intuitively rather than perform. Rooted in nervous system awareness, they offer a space for you to discharge stress and return to a sense of aliveness.

Emily Taylor - Peak Outdoor Community

Peak Outdoor Community aims to bring like-minded people together in the outdoors to connect with nature and history. A landscape can provide so much more than a lovely view; it can tell us about the past. Emily will not only guide the way but help you to really connect with the place we’re exploring.